Property tax in the United States is fundamentally a county-level tax. While states set the framework, your actual tax bill is determined by the county where your property is located — along with cities, school districts, and special districts within that county.

Our county-level data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. For each county, we show the effective property tax rate (median tax paid divided by median home value), giving you a realistic picture of what homeowners actually pay rather than the nominal millage rate.

County rates vary enormously — even within the same state. In California, Kern County's effective rate sits below 0.75% while parts of the Bay Area exceed 1%. Understanding your county's specific rate is the difference between an accurate budget and a surprise on your tax bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Property tax in the U.S. is fundamentally a local tax, set by counties, cities, school districts, and special districts. Each entity sets its own rate based on local funding needs. Two adjacent counties can have rates differing by 50% or more.

Check your latest property tax bill, visit your county tax collector's website, or use our calculator with your county selected. The effective rate (tax paid / home value) is what determines your real tax burden.

Counties in Hawaii, Alabama, and parts of Colorado tend to have the lowest effective rates (often below 0.5%). Counties in New Jersey, Illinois, and parts of New York have the highest (often above 2.5%).

Broward County

Hennepin County

Kern County

San Francisco County

Hamilton County

About U.S. County Property Tax Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do property tax rates vary so much between counties?

How do I find my exact county property tax rate?

Which counties have the lowest property tax in the U.S.?